School’s in for next generation of cabaret stars

SCHOOL’S in for class clowns, diva students and even karate-kicking nuns as part of this weekend’s Uni SA Showcase at the Cabaret Fringe.

PATRICK McDONALD

The AdvertiserJune 27, 201410:13pm

SCHOOL’S in for class clowns, diva students and even karate-kicking nuns as part of this weekend’s Uni SA Showcase at the Cabaret Fringe.

A two-week, intensive European Performance course in cabaret context and practice has brought together 37 students from disciplines as diverse as film, music, theatre and technical fields at the university’s Magill campus.

“We’re launching our new performing arts major next year, so it’s a springboard for that,’’ said Russell Fewster, program director of media arts.

“We’ve talked about what makes cabaret different from music theatre or concerts: This idea of storytelling, connection, intimacy,’’ said lecturer Catherine Campbell.

Students will perform acts they have developed during the past fortnight at La Boheme, 36 Grote St, city, on Saturday at 4pm.

Electronic arts sound students Nicole Roach and Joshua Snares, both 19, made a 70-minute film called Karate Nun, which is available to watch on YouTube.

“We’re adapting it into our live performance,’’ Mr Snares said. “There’s just so many different things you can do in cabaret … it’s a variety show.’’

Other acts range from original singer-songwriters to a comedian who performs haiku poems with a triangle.

“Cabaret interacts with the audience, there’s a lot of humour and comedy,’’ said 19-year-old singer Lara Kalvaitis.

“It’s a two-way conversation — everyone’s performing in the room,’’ said ukulele player Jamie Hornsby, also 19.

The Cabaret Fringe runs until Sunday with shows including with Hallelujah — A Tribute to Leonard Cohen, The Beggars can be Seekers and Giovanni’s Buono Voyago Fiesta. Full program details and bookings at cabaretfringefestival.com